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About Us

Who is Lacuna Design?

Lacuna Design, is an architectural practice focusing on the fusion of modern design and client collaboration. Architecture is not only a functional need but an experience through which our senses are enriched by space, light, materiality and craftsmanship. The layering of textures, color, space, and light  is our approach to a distinct modern architectural experience. In the end, we believe architecture is an art and a service. We strive to connect with clients in a unique way: with open minds, thoroughness, intent on efficiency and budget awareness. The office puts our expertise to work for the clients and acts as a client advocate willing to translate dreams into reality.

People

Melissa Molnar Lawson

Founder; Principal + Architect

For over two decades Melissa has been connecting with clients, shaping their homes and environments throughout the country. Melissa received her undergraduate degree from Roger Williams University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Architecture with honors. Prior to founding Lacuna Design in 2005, Melissa worked for notable firms in New York, Boston and Providence developing the architectural and business mindset which would form the foundation of what the client driven office is today. Melissa is a Licensed Architect in the states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida.

Kristopher Lawson

Principal + Architect

In the past twenty years Kris has been working to remove the historic divide in the industry by developing a thorough understanding of methods of construction as well as educating to the importance of design in the built environment. Prior to joining his wife in the practice in 2013 Kris worked in the Construction industry, bridging the divide between architects, contractors and material suppliers in the field throughout southern New England. His resume includes vast list of project typologies and notable architectural firms in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Kris is currently an adjunct faculty member at Roger Williams University School of Architecture and is a Licensed Architect and NCARB Certified Professional.

Ryan T. Danforth

Project Manager

Ryan received his undergraduate degree from Roger Williams University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Before joining Lacuna Design, Ryan previously worked for several Rhode Island architectural firms as well as a steady freelance career in both Residential and Commercial architecture.

Samantha Moscardelli

Architectural Designer

Samantha has been a part of Lacuna Design since she was studying for her Graduate degree in Architecture at Roger Williams University. After receiving her degree she pursued her architecture career with multiple firms in New York City for a few years before returning back to Rhode Island to become a member of the adjunct faculty at Roger Williams as well as reclaiming her desk in our office and a spot on the floor for her 100lb dog 'brick'. Samantha pivots between both residential and commercial projects within the office with her amazing ability to embrace projects of all scale and function.

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Wishing everyone a festive and thankful Thanksgivi Wishing everyone a festive and thankful Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends. We are very thankful to see this project getting ready to break ground. #lacunadesignarchitects #rhodeislandarchitect #architecturaldesign #happyclients #hireanarchitect #RhodeIsland #architecture #residentialarchitects #aiarhodeisland #residentialconstruction #residentialarchitecture #newconstruction #riarchitecture #rhodeislandarchitecturefirm #architecturalvisualization #design #rhodeislandarchitecture #happyholidays #portsmouthri #architecturalrepresentation #HappyThanksgiving #happythanksgivng #HappyThanksgiving2025
Perched on an open, sloping site overlooking the S Perched on an open, sloping site overlooking the Sakonnet River, this new home takes advantage of the views from every possible space. With plenty of room for family gatherings, holidays, and casual get-togethers, this design will be the backdrop to many memories for years to come. As we head into fall, we look forward to the groundbreaking on this new home and the construction throughout the year. #lacunadesignarchitects #residentialarchitects #hireanarchitect #happyclients #architecture #residentialarchitecture #newconstruction #design #architecturalvisualization #architecturaldesign #residentialconstruction #rhodeislandarchitect #riarchitecture #waterfronthome #RhodeIsland #rhodeislandarchitecturefirm #aiarhodeisland #architects #windows #windowview #rhodeislandarchitects #pellawindows #architecturalrepresentation
Captured the perfect shots of our coastal farmhous Captured the perfect shots of our coastal farmhouse in Bristol, RI, just before the new owners moved in! 🏠📸 Modern details, spacious living and entertaining spaces; it has already been turning heads in traffic during construction - a must-see now that it's complete. #lacunadesignarchitects #residentialarchitects #architecture #design #residentialarchitecture #residentialconstruction #hireanarchitect #happyclients #stairs #waterfronthome #rhodeislandarchitect #rhodeislandarchitecturefirm #RhodeIsland #rhodeislandarchitecture #riarchitecture #bristolRI #aiarhodeisland #AIA
At the heart of a well design home is a stair... o At the heart of a well design home is a stair... or at least we think so. #architecturaldesign #architecture #hireanarchitect #residentialarchitecture #lacunadesignarchitects #residentialarchitects #designinspiration #collection #happyclients #lacunadesign #interiordesign #residentialconstruction #design #architects #stairs #staircase #staircases #upsanddowns #steps #railings #stairdesign #railingdesign
Give me a window and I'll stare out it. ~ Alan Ric Give me a window and I'll stare out it. ~ Alan Rickman sharing some of our clients windows and views.... spring is in the air time to let the fresh air in! #lacunadesignarchitects #rhodeislandarchitect #residentialarchitecture #residentialarchitects #architecturaldesign #hireanarchitect #architecture #happyplace #waterfronthome #windows #oceanviews #windowview #collection #designinspiration #daydreams #happyclients
Providence Condominium received a much needed upgr Providence Condominium received a much needed upgrade to the entries and common spaces. New Furnishings, Finishes, Lighting and Color brought some fresh energy for the residences to come home to. Thanks to our friends @tracygloverstudio for bringing it home with some beautiful glass pieces to tie it all together. #lacunadesignarchitects #rhodeislandarchitect #residentialarchitecture #residentialarchitects #RhodeIsland #lacunadesign #architecturaldesign #rhodeislandarchitecturefirm #providence #providenceri #interiordesign
Wrapping up construction documents on this new cus Wrapping up construction documents on this new custom beauty in Wellesley Massachusetts. We are excited for the #shinglestyle details we are going to incorporate including decorative window transoms, shingle flairs with crown over windows, a play of window sizes and types, a conical entry piece with copper and a simple, beautiful interior flow. More to come in the next few weeks on this one! #luxurydesign #wellesleyma #wellesleyrealestate #classichomestyle #residentialarchitecture #newenglanddesign #lacunadesign @lacunadesign
A little guesthouse above the garage. Client requ A little guesthouse above the garage. Client requested a place for guests or grandkids...a place to get out of the sun, exercise and make some juice...an extension of the primary residence. 10-4! We threw in a quad vaulted ceiling and barn door wall for good measure. #poolhousedesign #Guesthouse #GuesthouseLife #residentialarchitecture #residentialarchitects #rhodeislandarchitect #lacunadesignarchitects #architecture #hireanarchitect
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  • Melissa & Kris from Lacuna are a great team to work with. They are highly responsive, have great attention to detail, and are true professionals. Every opportunity I can work with them I know we will have great results. I highly recommend Lacuna Design.

    – Jacqueline Pagel, Pella Windows and Coastal Design

Designing for Modern Life

Contact Us

171 Chestnut Street 2nd Floor, Providence Rhode Island 02903
Tel: +1 (401) 723 7200

© 2025 Lacuna Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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